US Ready to Set Up Defence Umbrella for Gulf Allies: Hillary Clinton

[tekisui]

Source: Times of India

PHUKET: The United States on Wednesday declared it was ready to upgrade preparedness of its key allies in the Gulf by setting up a "defence umbrella", if Iran did not back down from its clandestine nuclear weapon's programme.

The assurance to the Gulf allies came from the US secretary of state Hillary Clinton in a hard hitting TV interview in which she also called upon ASEAN nations to consider expelling Myanmar for not releasing jailed pro-democracy leader Aung San Suu Kyi.

Saying America would "still hold the door open" to engagement with Iran, but would also take "crippling action"---- an apparent reference to sanctions -- if Tehran pursues its atomic drive, she said.

"The nuclear clock is ticking", Clinton said declaring that Washington was prepared to "upgrade the defence of our partners in the region," adding that Iran's neighbours are most concerned about events.

"If the US extends a defence umbrella over the region, if we do even more to support the military capacity of those in the Gulf, it is unlikely Iran will be any stronger or safer," Clinton said.

She was equally unsparing on reports about secret military and nuclear cooperation between North Korea and Myanmar.

"There are growing concerns about military cooperation between North Korea and Burma which we take very seriously," Clinton said. "It would destablise the region."

On her second trip to Asia as US secretary of state, Hillary Rodham Clinton carried a strong message about American intentions to re-engage in this vital region, not withstanding its commitment in Iraq and Afghanistan.

more: http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/NEWS/World/US/US-ready-to-set-up-defence-umbrella-for-Gulf-allies-Hillary-Clinton/articleshow/4808106.cms

[RaleighNCDUer]

1. Please, give me ANY source (other than the paranoids in charge in

Israel) of Iran's neighbors being worried about being attacked by Iran.

When was the last time Iran launched an aggressive war against any of its neighbors? It defended itself against Iraq in the 80s, but I've found no evidence of extra-territorial ambitions on their part for their entire modern history.

[MadHound]

2. Great, Clinton and Obama, weaving in another thread of US imperialism in the Mideast

And once again, Hillary is banging the war drum for Iran.

More insanity.